Contradictory or aligned? The nexus between authenticity in heritage conservation and heritage tourism, and its impact on satisfaction

Abstract

The discrepancy between authenticity regarding heritage conservation and perceived authenticity in heritage tourism has been extensively discussed and seen as an obstacle for sustainable heritage tourism and management. In this article, we reviewed the notion of authenticity respectively in heritage conservation and in heritage tourism, interviewed 5 experts and 363 tourists regarding three cultural heritages in Nanjing, China. Findings indicate that once visitors are fully aware of the essential nature, the cultural significance of the cultural heritage, and the connotation of authenticity in heritage conservation, they can assess the cultural values and the authenticity of a given heritage property intellectually from the perspective of conservation. Tourists’ assessment also significantly affects their perceived authenticity and satisfaction. We argue that, heritage conservation can be compatible with heritage consumption, by publicizing sufficient heritage information and encouraging the exchange of heritage knowledge between conservation practitioners and the public.